2D Art for Game Developers

Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, founded in 2008, is Finland’s largest university of applied sciences and serves about 17,000 students in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Known for its practical, multidisciplinary approach, Metropolia combines technical, creative and healthcare education with a strong emphasis on innovation. Its campuses are well connected to the city’s business and technology ecosystems, offering an environment that supports applied learning and professional development.

The university provides a wide selection of degree programs across Culture, Business, Health Care and Social Services, and Technology, with 272 distinct programs and numerous English-taught options. Metropolia’s research, development and innovation activities operate through five specialized innovation hubs that link students to industry partners and real-world projects. This structure allows learners to gain hands-on experience, develop problem-solving skills and work on solutions that address current societal challenges.

International students find a welcoming and inclusive community, with extensive support services for orientation, career guidance and integration into the Finnish job market. Modern facilities and strong collaboration with employers make Metropolia a practical choice for those seeking career-oriented higher education in Northern Europe. Its focus on applied research and industry ties helps graduates transition smoothly into professional roles.

The 2D Art for Game Developers program is a non-degree course that teaches digital painting for games. It's taught in English and lasts one year. Students will learn the entire workflow from ideation to creating final game-ready graphics.

The curriculum includes hands-on exercises that enhance drawing and digital painting skills. Students will learn design principles, color theory, and perspective, applying these concepts to their game art projects. The course covers character design, environment art, and item creation.

Graduates can work as Character Artists, Environment Artists, or Game Designers. They can also pursue roles like Concept Artist, 2D Artist, or Graphic Designer in the gaming industry or game development. Other potential employers include game studios, graphic design firms, or digital media companies.